The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.
. Note: this interpretation may well have no basis in TRUTH but it's an interesting way to view the song we know so well.
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On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
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A Patridge in a Pear Tree:
The Partridge in a Pear Tree is Jesus.
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On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Two Turtle doves:
The Two Turtle Doves are the two Testaments:.
The Old Testament
and
The New Testament
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Three French Hens.
The three French hens stand for: faith, hope and charity.
On the fourth day of Christmas (TODAY), my true love gave to me:
Four Calling Birds
The Four Calling Birds are the Four Gospels.
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